ADC Inaugurates Committee to Pick Herman Hembe’s Running Mate for 2027 Benue Governorship Race

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State has inaugurated a nine-member strategic committee to identify and recommend a running mate for its governorship candidate, Rt.

The committee was formally inaugurated following a request by Hembe to the party’s national and state leadership, seeking the establishment of a body to guide the selection of a deputy governorship candidate.

According to the governorship candidate, the committee which comprised of Engr. Okpe Onah as chairman, Senator Orker Jev, Air Vice Marshal Steve Onuh (rtd), Mrs. Rose Ameh, Barr. Ogah Okwu, Prof. David Salifu, Hon. Jack Mulya, Mrs. Abeje Egwa and Hon. Alex Igwe, has been mandated to consult widely and submit its report on or before June 20, 2026.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Benue State Chairman of the ADC, Samson Okwu, represented by the party’s State Secretary, Peter Chirzenden, described the committee members as individuals with proven integrity, experience and commitment to the party’s ideals.

He said their selection was based on their track records and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a credible recommendation that would strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.

Chirzenden noted that the ADC had successfully concluded its primary elections across the state, producing candidates for various elective positions, including Herman Hembe as the party’s flag bearer for the governorship contest.

He stressed that the committee’s assignment should be guided by transparency, inclusiveness and broad consultations with stakeholders across the state.

He said “We cannot impose a running mate on the people. The democratic process requires consultation and engagement with stakeholders. We expect this committee to interact with party leaders and members at the grassroots and identify a candidate who will strengthen the party and contribute meaningfully to governance.”

The ADC secretary further urged members of the committee to place the party’s collective interest above personal considerations and ensure that their recommendation reflects the aspirations of members and supporters across Benue State.

He added that the ADC remains committed to providing quality leadership and bringing the dividends of democracy closer to the people through policies that promote good governance and development.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Engr. Okpe Onah thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in them and assured stakeholders that the assignment would be handled with diligence, objectivity and fairness.

He said the committee understood the significance of its responsibility and would work towards identifying a running mate capable of complementing the governorship candidate while attracting broad-based support across the state.

Also speaking, ADC Chairman in Benue South (Zone C), Mrs. Abeje Egwa, appreciated the party leadership for entrusting the committee with the task and assured members that they would deliver a recommendation that would produce a credible, acceptable and widely supported deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.